The Pully

The Pully

by George Herbert (1593-1633)

When God at first made man,

Having a glass of blessings standingby,

“Let us”(saidHe)

“Pour on him all we can:Let the world’s riches, which dispersed lie,

Contract into a span.”

So strength first made a way;

Then beauty flow’d, then wisdom, honour, pleasure:

When almost all was out,

God made a stay,

Perceiving thatalone of all his treasureRest in the bottom lay.

“For if I should”(said he)

“Bestow this jewel also on my creature,He would adore my gifts instead of me,

And rest in Nature, not the God of Nature:

So both should losers be.”

“Yet let him keep the rest,

But keep them with repining restlessness;

Let him be rich and weary, that at least,

If goodness lead him not, yet weariness

May toss him to my breast.”